JP4218645B2 - Liquid level detector - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a liquid level detection device that detects the height of a liquid level, and is suitable, for example, for detecting the remaining amount of fuel in a fuel tank indicated by the height of the liquid level.

  Conventionally, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose liquid level detection devices. This liquid level detection device is used, for example, to detect the remaining amount of fuel in a fuel tank of a vehicle or the like.

  The fuel level is detected by the liquid level detector when the float connected to the rotating arm floats on the liquid level and the float position fluctuates according to the liquid level of the fuel. This is done by detecting with a rotation detecting means provided on the moving shaft. For example, by fixing a fan-shaped magnet with the center of the rotating arm concentric and installing a magnetic reaction element in the shaft or in the vicinity of the magnet, when the rotating arm rotates, Based on the fact that the density at which the generated magnetic flux passes through the magnetic reaction element varies, the variation of the float position, that is, the variation of the liquid level of the fuel is detected.

In such a liquid level detection device, conventionally, a wall (stopper) for restricting the rotation of the rotating arm is provided in consideration of a detection limit and the like, and the rotation angle of the rotating arm is controlled by this wall. The range can be determined.
JP 2001-124614 A Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 56-170726

  However, the wall (stopper) for restricting the rotation of the rotation arm is set at a specific location and has a pair of relationship with the rotation arm. Even if it was going to change the rotation angle of a rotation arm corresponding to the change of a surface level, it was not able to respond to it. That is, in order to cope with various liquid surface levels, it has been necessary to provide walls (stoppers) at different positions according to the rotation angle of the rotation arm.

  Conventionally, in order to change the turning angle of the turning arm, a plurality of walls are provided, the length of the turning arm is changed (see Patent Document 1), and the turning radius of the turning arm is changed. However, in the case of such a liquid level detection device, there is a problem that the space in the tank that accommodates it becomes wide and is not suitable for space saving.

  The same can be said for such a problem not only with a magnetoresistive liquid level detection device but also with a resistance type liquid level detection device.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid level detection device that can adjust the rotation angle of a rotation arm without increasing the space in the tank.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to the main body (2), the first angle range (θ1) about the rotation axis (2a) and the first angle range (θ1). A plurality of stoppers (2d) that define a second angle range (θ2) different from the above are provided, and the plurality of stoppers (2d) are arranged in the circumferential direction around the rotation shaft (2a) . Further, the main body (2) is formed with a first groove (2b) at both ends of the plurality of stoppers (2d) defining the first angle range (θ1), and the plurality of stoppers (2d) Of these, the second groove (2c) is formed with both ends defining the second angle range (θ2), and the first groove (2b) and the second groove are centered on the rotation shaft (2a). Be arranged in the circumferential direction. Further, when the end (4a) on the opposite side of the rotating arm (4) to which the float (8) is attached is disposed between the plurality of stoppers (2d), the rotating arm (4) is rotated. The end (4a) is in contact with the plurality of stoppers (2d) so that the rotation of the rotation arm (4) is restricted. Then, the end (4a) is fitted into any one of the first groove (2b) and the second groove (2b), so that the end (4a) is connected to the plurality of stoppers (2d). Among them, it is arranged between the one defining the first angle range (θ1) and the one defining the second angle range (θ2) , whereby the turning angle of the turning arm (4) is set to the first angle. It is characterized in that either one of the range (θ1) and the second angle range (θ2) is selected.

  According to the liquid level detection device having such a configuration, the end portion (4a) is defined between the plurality of stoppers (2d) defining the first angle range (θ1) and the second angle range (θ2). It is possible to change the rotation angle of the rotation arm (4) depending on the position between the objects. For this reason, it is possible to cope with a case where it is desired to change the rotation angle of the rotation arm (4) depending on the relationship with the space in the tank (10). For this reason, it is possible to integrate the components of the liquid level detection device, and it is possible to reduce costs by integrating the components.

  For example, as shown in claim 2, the end (4a) on the opposite side of the rotating arm (4) to which the float (8) is attached is bent toward the main body (2) and bent. By making the portion contact the plurality of stoppers (2d), the rotation of the rotation arm (4) can be restricted.

  In addition, the code | symbol in the bracket | parenthesis of each said means shows the correspondence with the specific means as described in embodiment mentioned later.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. 1 and 2 are front views of two forms of the liquid level detection device of the present embodiment, FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the liquid level detection device of the present embodiment, and the cross-sectional portion in FIG. 1 corresponds to a cross section of a straight line portion in a two-dot chain line Z.

  The liquid level detection device shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is used to detect the remaining amount of the fuel 1 by measuring the height of the liquid level of the fuel 1 in the fuel tank 10. This liquid level detection device is directly fixed to a stay 11 fixed to the opening 10a of the fuel tank 10, and is a body 2, a magnet holder 3, a rotating arm 4, a magnet 5, a magnetic reaction element 6, and a terminal. 7 and a float 8.

  The liquid level detection device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a configuration in which the rotating arm 4 is different, and the other components are all configured in the same manner, so that the parts can be integrated. It has been. Details of each component will be described below.

  The body 2 constitutes the main body of the liquid level detection means, and is made of a non-conductive material such as a resin. By connecting the back side of the body 2, that is, the side opposite to the magnet holder 3, to the stay 11 fixed to the opening 10 a of the fuel tank 10, the liquid level detection device is fixed to the fuel tank 10. It has become.

  A rotation shaft 2a is provided in the body 2 where the magnet holder 3 is disposed so as to protrude from the surface of the body 2, and a groove 2b is formed on the outer periphery of the rotation shaft 2a. . And in this body 2, it has the structure arrange | positioned so that the terminal 7 may protrude from the upper direction of the body 2, and may be extended to the rotating shaft 2a.

  Further, the body 2 is formed with groove portions 2b and 2c along the turning locus of the end portion 4a on the opposite side to the side on which the float 8 of the turning arm 4 is attached. The groove widths of the groove portions 2b and 2c are set to be slightly larger than the thickness of the rotating arm 4, and the lengths of the groove portions 2b and 2c are set so that the groove portions 2b and 2c have different lengths. . Specifically, the lengths of the groove portions 2b and 2c are defined by the wall surfaces 2d arranged at both ends of the groove portions 2b and 2c, and the distance between the pair of wall surfaces 2d is changed, so that the groove portions 2b and 2c Are different in length, specifically, the groove 2b is shorter than the groove 2c, the groove 2b is in the range of the angle θ1 around the rotation shaft 2a, and the groove 2c has the rotation shaft 2a. The center is set to be in the range of the angle θ2.

  The magnet holder 3 is held so as to be rotatable with respect to the body 2 and incorporates a magnet 5. A rotating arm 4 is fixed to the magnet holder 3, and the rotating arm 4 rotates with respect to the body 2 as the magnet holder 3 rotates.

  Specifically, the magnet holder 3 includes a cylindrical portion 3 a that houses the magnet 5, and a rod-shaped portion 3 b that extends from the cylindrical portion 3 a in accordance with the shape of the rotating arm 4. The central portion of the cylindrical portion 3a is hollow, and when the rotating shaft 2a extended from the body 2 is fitted into the hollow portion, the groove portion 2b formed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 2a is inserted. By fitting the protruding portion 3c that protrudes from the inside of the hollow portion of the cylindrical portion 3a, the magnet holder 3 is restricted from moving in the axial direction with respect to the body 2 and can rotate.

  A claw portion 3 d for holding the rotating arm 4 is formed on the surface of the magnet holder 3. The claw portion 3d has a hook shape, and is held by the turning arm 4 being fitted.

  Further, a hole 3 e is formed in the rod-like portion 3 b of the magnet holder 3. The end 4a of the rotating arm 4 is inserted into the hole 3e. In the form shown in FIG. 1, the end 4a of the rotating arm 4 is fitted in the groove 2c set to be long, and in the form shown in FIG. 2, the end 4a is fitted in the groove 2b set short. It is said that. For this reason, when the rotating arm 4 is rotated, the end 4a of the rotating arm 4 moves on the inner wall surfaces of the groove portions 2b and 2c, but the wall surfaces 2d formed on both sides of the groove portions 2b and 2c are By functioning as a stopper, the movement of the end 4a is blocked by the wall surface 2d, and the rotation of the rotating arm 4 is restricted.

  The rotating arm 4 is configured by a rod-shaped member or a hollow pipe member, and the rotating arm 4 is configured by bending the rod-shaped member or the pipe member at a desired location. Then, the end 4 a of the rotating arm 4 is fitted into the hole 3 e in the magnet holder 3 as described above, and the other end of the rotating arm 4 is used for holding the float 8.

  The shape of the rotating arm 4 is different between the form shown in FIG. 1 and the form shown in FIG. Specifically, the bending angles α1 and α2 (angles corresponding to the bending of the rod-like member or pipe member) of the rotating arm 4 are different between the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the embodiment shown in FIG. The bending angle α1 of the rotating arm 4 in the configuration shown in FIG. 2 is smaller than the bending angle α2 of the rotating arm 4 in the configuration shown in FIG.

  The bending angles α1 and α2 of the rotating arm 4 in each of the form shown in FIG. 1 and the form shown in FIG. 2 are such that the end 4a of the rotating arm 4 extends from end to end in the grooves 2b and 2c. When it thinks that it moves between the wall surfaces 2d of both sides of 2b and 2c, when it touches one end, it corresponds to when the liquid level of the fuel 1 is in the lowest position, and touches the other end. Is set to correspond to the time when the liquid level of the fuel 1 is at the highest position.

  The magnet 5 is accommodated in the cylindrical portion 3 a of the magnet holder 3. The magnet 5 has a shape such that, for example, when the rotating arm 4 is rotated, the density of the magnetic flux generated by the magnet 5 passing through the rotating shaft 2a changes according to the rotating state, such as a fan shape. It has become.

  The magnetic reaction element 6 is disposed in the rotation shaft 2a and generates an output corresponding to the density of magnetic flux generated by the magnet 5. Accordingly, when the magnet 5 moves with the rotation of the rotating arm 4, the magnetic flux density passing through the magnetic reaction element 6 changes accordingly, and thus different outputs can be generated from the magnetic reaction element 6. ing.

  The terminal 7 has a power supply terminal for supplying power from an external power supply to the magnetic reaction element 6, a GND terminal for electrical connection with an external GND, and an output for outputting the magnetic reaction element 6. And an output terminal.

  The float 8 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is formed in a hollow shape or a foamed shape so as to float on the liquid surface of the fuel 1. Since the float 8 floats on the liquid level of the fuel 1, the rotary arm 4 moves the rotating shaft 2 a as the position of the float 8 moves according to the fluctuation of the liquid level of the fuel 1. It is designed to rotate around the center.

  With such a structure, the liquid level detection device of the present embodiment is configured. In the liquid level detection device configured as described above, when the position of the float 8 moves in accordance with the fluctuation of the height of the liquid level of the fuel 1, the rotation arm 4 rotates about the rotation axis 2a accordingly. .

  In the case of the form shown in FIG. 1, since the end 4a of the rotating arm 4 is fitted in the groove 2c, the end 4a extends from the ends of both ends of the groove 2c to the end (between both wall surfaces 2d). It can be moved. For this reason, the rotation range of the rotation arm 4 is an angle (second angle range) θ2, which corresponds to a relatively wide range.

  In the case of the form shown in FIG. 2, since the end 4a of the rotating arm 4 is fitted in the groove 2b, the end 4a extends from the end of both ends of the groove 2b to the end (between both wall surfaces 2d). It can be moved. For this reason, the rotation range of the rotation arm 4 is an angle (first angle range) θ1, which corresponds to a relatively narrow range.

  In this way, the rotating arm 4 is rotated. When the magnet 5 moves along with the rotation of the rotating arm 4, the magnetic flux density passing through the magnetic reaction element 6 changes accordingly, so that different outputs are generated from the magnetic reaction element 6. Therefore, based on the output of the magnetic reaction element 6, the rotating state of the rotating arm 4, that is, the position of the float 8 is recognized, and the remaining amount of the fuel 1 can be detected from the height of the liquid level of the fuel 1. It has become.

  As described above, in the liquid level detection device according to this embodiment, the grooves 2b and 2c are formed in accordance with the movement trajectory of the end 4a of the rotation arm 4, and the rotation arm 4 configured with different bending angles. The end 4a is fitted into one of the grooves 2b and 2c. That is, the rotation angle of the rotation arm 4 can be changed by selecting one of the wall surfaces 2d located on both sides of each of the grooves 2b and 2c and arranging the end 4a of the rotation arm 4. It has a simple structure.

  Therefore, the rotation angle of the rotation arm 4 can be changed between the configuration shown in FIG. 1 and the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and the rotation of the rotation arm 4 depends on the relationship with the space in the fuel tank 10. Even when it is desired to change the moving angle, it is possible to cope with it by simply changing the shape of the rotating arm 4.

  Therefore, it is possible to provide a liquid level detection device that can adjust the rotation angle of the rotation arm 4 without increasing the space of the fuel tank 10. Further, with respect to parts other than the rotating arm 4, for example, parts such as the body 2 and the magnet holder 3, it is not necessary to prepare a plurality of types in order to change the rotating angle of the rotating arm 4, and the parts can be integrated. Is possible. Thereby, the cost can be reduced by integrating the parts.

(Second Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the shape of the body 2 is changed with respect to the first embodiment. In FIG. 4, the front view of the liquid level detection apparatus of this embodiment is shown.

  As shown in this figure, a groove 2b, 2c formed in the body 2 is formed by one groove, and a protruding wall surface 2d is provided in the groove so that left and right of the protrusion 2e are provided. The groove 2b and the groove 2c are configured.

  Thus, when the groove parts 2b and 2c are connected, the edge part 4a of the rotation arm 4 fitted in the groove part 2b can be moved to the groove part 2c side using the elastic force of the protruding wall surface 2d. It becomes possible. Therefore, with such a configuration, it is possible to realize different rotation angles using the same rotation arm 4. For this reason, the rotation angle of the rotation arm 4 can be adjusted without removing the rotation arm 4 from the magnet holder 3.

(Other embodiments)
In the first and second embodiments described above, the liquid level detection using the magnet 5 and the magnetic reaction element 6 has been described as an example, but the electric resistance value changes as the rotating arm 4 rotates. The present invention may be applied to a so-called resistance type liquid level detection device that performs liquid level detection based on the above.

  In the first and second embodiments, the liquid level detection device directly attached to the stay fixed to the hole of the fuel tank has been described as an example. However, the liquid level detection device is fixed to the hole of the fuel tank. The present invention can also be applied to a liquid level detection device attached to the side surface of the fuel pump.

  Furthermore, in the said 1st, 2nd embodiment, although it was set as the structure which the edge part 4a of the rotation arm 4 moves on the wall surface which comprises the groove parts 2b and 2c, the groove parts 2b and 2c itself are not necessarily required. Absent. The point is that the wall surface 2d functioning as a stopper is arranged at different intervals, and the end 4a of the rotation arm 4 is arranged between the different wall surfaces 2d. As long as the rotation angle is adjusted, it is sufficient. Similarly, the end 4a of the rotating arm 4 only needs to be in a bent shape as long as the rotation of the rotating arm 4 is restricted by contacting the wall surface 2d functioning as a stopper. is not.

It is a front view of the liquid level detection apparatus at the time of setting it as the 1st form in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the liquid level detection apparatus at the time of being made into the second form in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a fragmentary sectional view of the liquid level detection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a front schematic diagram of the body of the liquid level detection apparatus in 2nd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Fuel, 2 ... Body, 2a ... Rotary shaft, 2b, 2c ... Groove part, 2d ... Wall surface (stopper), 3 ... Magnet holder, 3a ... Cylindrical part, 3b ... Rod-like part, 3c ... Projection part, 3d ... Claw part, 3e ... hole part, 4 ... rotating arm, 5 ... magnet, 6 ... magnetic reaction element, 7 ... terminal, 8 ... float.

Claims (2)

A float (8) whose position moves up and down according to the height of the liquid level in the liquid (1) contained in the tank (10);
A rotating arm (4) for holding the float (8) and rotating as the float (8) moves;
The rotary shaft (2a) of the rotary arm (4) is provided, and an output corresponding to the rotary state of the rotary arm (4) is generated, so that the float (8) is positioned. A liquid level detection device comprising: a main body (2) provided with a liquid level detection means (5, 6, 7) for detecting the height of the liquid level based on:
The main body (2) has a plurality of first angle ranges (θ1) around the rotation axis (2a) and a plurality of second angle ranges (θ2) different from the first angle ranges (θ1). Stoppers (2d) are arranged in the circumferential direction around the rotation shaft (2a) ,
Further, the main body (2) is formed with a first groove (2b) with both ends of the plurality of stoppers (2d) defining the first angle range (θ1) being formed, and the plurality of stoppers A second groove (2c) is formed with both ends defining (2d) defining the second angle range (θ2), and the first groove (2b) and the second groove are Are arranged in the circumferential direction around the dynamic axis (2a),
An end (4a) of the rotating arm (4) opposite to the side to which the float (8) is attached is disposed between the plurality of stoppers (2d), and the rotating arm (4) is rotated. When the end (4a) is in contact with the plurality of stoppers (2d), the rotation of the rotation arm (4) is restricted,
The pivot arm by fitting said end in (4) (4a) to any one of the first groove portion (2b) and said second groove (2b), before Kitan portion (4a ) was placed anywhere between those defining the second angle range (.theta.2) and between those defining the first angle range (.theta.1) of the plurality of stoppers (2d), whereby said rotating The liquid level detection device is configured to select a rotation angle of the moving arm (4) in any one of the first angle range (θ1) and the second angle range (θ2). An end (4a) on the opposite side of the rotating arm (4) to which the float (8) is attached is bent toward the main body (2), and the bent portion is the plurality of the plurality of the arms (4). The liquid level detection device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation of the rotating arm (4) is regulated by contacting the stopper (2d).

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